Intellectual property rights (IPRs) in food biotechnology

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Elsevier/ScienceDirect

What are the implications of IPRs and the related power structure for farmers' rights and food security? This is one of the issues discussed by NMBU's Ola Westengen and co-author Hans M. Haugen in the recently published book 'Reference Module in Food Science'.

Intellectual property rights (IPRs) in food biotechnology

"With the objective to promote increased investments in biotechnology for food production, the patent legislations in several countries were amended in the 1980 in order to encourage increased private sector's involvement. In the same period, the role of the public sector in agricultural research and extension has stagnated. First, we analyze the current IPR landscape for biotechnology. Second, we discuss the role of IPRs in the ongoing consolidation in the biotechnology industry. Finally, we discuss implications of IPRs and the related consolidation and power structure for farmers' rights and food security. We find that there are reasons for concerns for the control exercised by the companies, both due to the individual patents, the total amount of patents (patent thickets) and the power exercised through increased corporate control" - Elsevier/Science Direct

About the book (from the publisher):

"The Reference Module in Food Science represents the next generation in publishing, sourcing, and accessing reference material in food science. Led by Editor-in-Chief, Geoffrey Smithers, the editorial board oversee 12 major themes/ sections which reflect the rich scope of food science. The content is accessible, searchable, and downloadable from any computer or mobile device with the Internet connectivity from anywhere in the world, ideal for the modern researcher, student and professional" - Elsevier